Viral Stunts Launch Careers

A strategy to land high-level marketing jobs by executing a viral marketing stunt that demonstrates mastery of internet culture, PR, and media manipulation. The example given shows how to build and flip a conservative news site to create viral attention.

Key Components:

• Initial Setup:

  • Create an extremely conservative news site
  • Build email list and social following
  • Run for 2-3 months to establish credibility
  • Use Facebook ads and content sharing networks

• The Flip:

  • Suddenly switch to opposite content (e.g., liberal LGBTQ content)
  • Keep same email list and following
  • Create shock value and viral moment

• Leverage Results:

  • Let news cycle pick up the story
  • Use the stunt as a portfolio piece
  • Demonstrate understanding of:
    • Internet dynamics
    • Media cycles
    • PR mechanics
    • Marketing strategy
    • Viral content creation

• Career Outcome:

  • Use as alternative to traditional resume
  • Land jobs at marketing/PR agencies
  • Prove practical skills through real results

Similar to how Jonah Peretti launched his career with the Nike sweatshop email stunt before creating Buzzfeed.